By Ovat Abeng
The Traditional ruler of Nawfia Community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Daniel Ogochukwu Obele, over the weekend, performed the 2023 “iwa ji” festival of the community, amid governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s Cabinet Members.
It was gathered that the event held at the palace of the traditional ruler attracted his counterpart from Abacha in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, people from all walks of life, including sons and daughters of the Nawfia Community.
Guests and attendees to the event were adorned in flamboyant traditional attires as an array of masquerades, cultural music and rhythmic beat of drums echoed throughout the arena.
Igwe Obele while officially cutting the new yam, stressed that the significance of the festival is in preserving the cultural identity of the community and Ndigbo at large.
READ ALSO: Spotlight: Addressing sex for marks malaise, commendable step towards change – UNFPA
He stated that the festival is not a mere celebration of harvest but a testament to their enduring traditions and the vital role of agriculture in their lives.
The traditional ruler appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for restoring peace to the town and prayed for progress, unity and harmony to be restored to the community.
Earlier during a mass to herald the ceremony, Reverend Father Jude Ezeanokwasa from St Anthony Catholic Parish, Nawfia, led prayers for blessings on the community.
In their separate speeches, the Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye who are indigenes of the community thanked the people for the peaceful celebration and promised working hard towards bringing a lasting peace to the community.
Also speaking at the event, the President General of the Community, Mr. Daniel Okoye, thanked the people for coming together to celebrate the new yam festival in grand style, noting that the new yam festival over the years, has been a rallying point for the community.
